Preface

The Booklet “Azad Kashmir At a Glance” is published every year to provide important facts & figures of various sectors of AJK. It contains data pertaining to Population, Agriculture, Education, Livestock, Information Technology, Transport & Communication, Health e.t.c., at state & districts level.
It further highlights different types of tables, in addition to which chart & graphs of selected tables have also been provided to make the data readily intelligible.
The booklet contains series of data on annual basis. The annual data series are on fiscal basis i.e., from July to June unless otherwise specified. Data regarding statistics compiled by statistical section in P&D Department is presented without citation, where as those compiled by other agency carry source note at the end of the table.
This publication also contains latest districts & sector wise information, covering earthquake affected and non affected areas of AJK. In some cases National level data is also incorporated to enable the user to have an access to the state and national comparison.

Statistics sections of P& D Department is grateful to various Government & Semi Government Departments & Organizations/Authorities for their valuable cooperation in supplying data and other information, and are also requested to provide user friendly data regularly and timely.
I would like to appreciate the efforts made by the statistical section, particularly, Mr. Sheraz Qummar Planning Officer (Dev.), Mr. Muhammad Rahees Khan Planning Officer (dev.) and Mr. Asim Mubeen Data Entry Operator, for collection/compilation of data and finalization of the publication.
I would further like to acknowledge the personal interest and guidance provided by the Additional Chief Secretary (Dev.) Capt.(R) Muhammad Yousaf during preparation of this publication.
Efforts has been made to produce this new improvised booklet as a comprehensive, informative and useful documents released with specific goals to meet the  data  requirement for Researchers, Planners, Economists, Administrators, Decision & Policy makers scholars, General readers, other groups of beneficiaries and users working in Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Earthquake affected areas. Nevertheless every type of criticism, suggestion or observation to improve the booklet will be welcomed with an open heart.

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DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO

GENERAL

Azad Jammu and Kashmir lies between longitude 730 - 750 and latitude of 33o - 36o and comprises of an area of 5134 Square Miles (13297 Square Kilometers).
The topography of the area is mainly hilly and mountainous with valleys and stretches of plains. Azad Kashmir is bestowed with natural beauty having thick forests, fast flowing rivers and winding streams. The main rivers are Jehlum, Neelum and Poonch. The climate is sub-tropical highland type with an average yearly rainfall of 1300 mm. The elevation from sea level ranges from 360 meters in the south to 6325 meters in the north. The snow line in winter is around 1200 meters above sea level while in summer, it rises to 3300 meters.

According to the 1998 population census the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir had a population of 2.973 million, which is estimated to have grown to 3.682 million in 2008. Almost 100% population is comprised of Muslims. The Rural: urban population ratio is 88:12. The population density is 277 persons per Sq. Km. The literacy rate which was 55% in 1998 census has now risen 64%. Approximately the infant mortality rate is 56 per 1000 live births, whereas the immunization rate for the children under 5 years of age is more than 95%.
The majority of the rural population depends on forestry, livestock and agriculture to eke-out its subsistence. Average per capita income has been estimated to be 908 * US$. Unemployment rate ranges from 6.0 to 6.5%. In line with the national trends, indicators of social sector improvement, particularly health and population welfare have not shown much proficiency. Efforts have been made during the recent past to make up this deficiency, which will bring the fruits of development to the common man.

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Economic survey of Pakistan 2006-2007

Area under cultivation is around 166433 hectares, which is almost 13% of the total Geographical area out of which 92% of the cultivable area is rain-fed.  About 84% households have very small land-holdings between one to two acres per family.  Major crops are maize, wheat & rice whereas minor crops include vegetables, grams, pulses (red lobia) and oil-seeds. Major fruits are apple, pears, apricot and walnuts. Agriculture and livestock income ranges between 30-40% of household earnings. The remaining share comes from other sources including employment and business etc. Reduced agriculture productivity has very adversely affected the traditional lifestyle and average per capita income of the rural household.
About 42% of the total Geographical area (0.6 million hectares), is controlled by the Forest Department. The per capita standing volume and per capita forest area are 400 cft. and 0.5 sft. respectively. Annual wood demand is 1.65 million cubic meters and sustainable production is 1.89 million cubic meters. The local communities have traditional rights in terms of use of the forests and on an average three trees are burnt by one household every year for the fuel-wood requirements in the absence of alternate sources. Similarly about 5 trees on average are required to construct a house for which the wood roofs have to be replaced after every 8-10 years.

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GOVERNMENT

            Azad Kashmir has a parliamentary form of Government. The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is the Constitutional Head of State, while the Prime Minister, supported by a council of Ministers, is the Chief Executive. Azad Kashmir has its own legislative assembly comprising  41 directly and 8 indirectly elected members, a member each from technocrats,  Mashaikhs, Overseas Kashmiris and 5 females and having the institutions of  Supreme Court and High Court also. List of head of the state is as below:-

President of the Azad Kashmir

Prime Ministers

Chief Executive

ADMINISTRATION

            Azad Kashmir is divided into three divisions (Muzaffarabad, Mirpur & Poonch) and eight administrative districts with Muzaffarabad as the capital of the state. The Muzaffarabad Division comprises of Muzaffarabad and Neelum, Rawalakot Division Bagh, Poonch & Sudhnuti districts whereas Mirpur Division includes the districts of Mirpur, Kotli & Bhimber. There are 25 subdivisions. The people's participation in the political and socio economic development is ensured through the elected institutions of AJK Legislative Assembly with 41 directly elected members and AJK Council with six elected members, besides members of local councils all over 1646 villages of the state.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

            At the time of partition in 1947, the economy in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was on subsistence level but the determination to develop the area was there. It was in early 60's when economic development of the area started in earnest. Despite financial constraints, planners made good efforts in laying down a proper path for the rapid development of the area.

(i)         PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

            Roads and air transport are the only mode of transportation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The present road length  and its comparison with the position in 1947 is given below: -

ROAD LENGTH (Kms)

b.         AIRPORTS
                The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan has constructed two small airports in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot cities in order to provide easy and fast mode of travel (Flights presently suspended).
c.         POWER
                At present, the installed Grid capacity is 390.30 MVA. About 20242 km transmission lines have been extended to 1629 villages out of a total of 1646 villages and about 386047 consumers have been provided with power connections. The per capita electricity delivered for consumption in Azad Kashmir is 385 KWH and within next three years 100% population of AJK is planned to be provided power connections.  At the time of independence, power facility was practically non-existent in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Government lays great emphasis on generating electricity in order to meet the growing domestic as well as industrial requirements. It has been planned to launch a programme for constructing a number of small hydel stations and six hydel stations have already been completed.

d.         PIPED WATER SUPPLY
                At the time of independence, availability of piped water supply was non-existent but significant progress has now been made in this regard. Presently 71% of the urban population and 67% of rural population has been provided with a piped water supply through house connections and public stands.

(ii)        SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

e.         HEALTH  FACILITIES
            Health coverage in Azad Jammu & Kashmir is still inadequate. There are approximately 1820 hospital beds available in the area averaging one bed per 2000
population. The total number of doctors, including administrative doctors, health mangers &  dentists is 675 out of which there are 405 medical officers, 64 dental surgeons, 159 specialists and 47 health managers giving an average of  0.187 per 1000 population in respect of doctors, 0.112 Per 1000 Population in respect of medical officers, 0.018 per 1000 Population in respect of dentists, 0.044 per 1000 Pop. in respect of specialists and 0.013 per 1000 pop. in respect of health managers, where as only 30 hospital beds & 11 dispensaries were available in the area at the time of independence.
f.       EDUCATION
            Education has been a priority of the Govt. of Azad Jammu & Kashmir as about 26% of its total recurring budget besides 8 % of the total development budget is allocated to this sector. As a result of this substantial investment, AJ&K’s literacy rate is well 64% which is significantly higher than the national average of Pakistan. At present the gross enrolment rate at primary level is *95% for boys and 88% for girls (between the age of 5-9 years). *Includes the enrolment of private schools.

(iii) Investment Opportunities in Azad Kashmir

The state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir by virtue of its topography, meteorology,  hydrology & administrative setup provides huge opportunities of investment in various sectors., Keeping in view the investment potential in AJK the Gove. Is encouraging investment in the following sectors.

1.Industrial Investment.

The Govt. has adopted the Industrial policy of Federal Govt. according to which all type of industries  are allowed to be established in the territory of AJK except Arms & Ammunition, Security printing, explosive material and Radioactive material . In order to accelerate the pace of development the department of Industries has established 6 Industrial Estates in various districts Azad Kashmir with basics infrastructure like roads, water supply, sewerage system and telephonic & electricity facilities. The number of medium & large scale Industries which have all ready been established in different districts of Azad Kashmir is 1465.
In view of the localize requirement of AJK. There is huge potential for Industries like Food, Ready made garments, Furniture and Plastic products in the area. In order to boost the Industrial Production in AJK, the Govt. is providing incentives to the industrialists including concession in different taxes and providing the energy to run the Industries on cheaper rates for first five years. It will be advisable that detailed feasibility of Industrial products must be carried out for making final decisions of investment.

.2.Development of cottage and Kashmiri Handicrafts.

The investment opportunities are also available in almost all the small and traditional handicrafts of Kashmir. Azad Kashmir Small Industries Corporation (AKSIC) established in 1992, in an official body is committed to pro more the development of handicrafts and in turn the economic betterment of the working development of handicraftsmen. AKSIC does not only provide education and assistance to working craftsman in the field of designing but also in quality control land marketing God the products, Equipped with necessary God gifted natural resources and manned with requisite expertise, the AKSIC committed to honour the buyers  preferences and requirement sin export trade offers most generous cooperation all the time.

3.Mineral Resources.

The Geological environment of AJK is comprising generally 3 types of rocks i.e. Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic. The Industrial minerals and base metals are found in all of 3 rocks spreading all over the AJK territory. In AJK mineral exploration activities started in 1973 by AKMIDC, a state owned corporation and emphasis was laid on assessment of potential economic deposits and an analysis of value of the different minerals discovered in the area so far amount to 137.915 million tons.

4.Hydro Power Generation

            Up to 1973-74 electricity facility was available to few villages of District Muzaffarabad & Mirpur. In 1973-74, a phased program was planned to provide electricity to urban & rural population, which is being continued. Under this program, several schemes have been implemented through which electricity distribution network  has been expanded up to 98% population of rural areas of AJ&K. Approximately 3,87,000 consumers have been provided service connections under this program.

            Against revised ADP 2006-07 allocation of Rs. 630.000 million was utilized for installation of   poles and  transformers, through which 1,35,000 people of AJ&K were benefited. Several mini hydel projects are at implementation stage. With the completion of these projects, hydro power generation capacity would be increased up to 50 MW in AJ&K.

            AJ&K has a potential of generation of 5000 MW of Hydro Power. The Hydel Power projects in AJK  under implementation are:-

Private Sector

1. Rajdhani Hydro Electric Project 132 MW District Kotli
2. New Bong Hydro Electric Project 84 MW District Mirpur
3. Bat Dara Hydro Electric Project 10.2 MW District Muzaffarabad
4. Hotreri Hydro Electric Project 5.4 MW District Muzaffarabad

Public Sector

WAPDA (Power Sector)

Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project 969 MW AJK, allocation for this project is 10000.00 million in 2007-08.

• GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURE

• TOTAL AREA OF AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR              13297 Sq. Kms (5134 Sq. Miles)
• TOTAL POPULATION OF AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR*    36,82,000 (3.682Million)

POPULATION AND INTERCENSAL INCREASE SINCE 1951

POPULATION FEATURES

*Projected on the basis of 1998 census

Source:-Local Govt. Board Mzd.

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Source:-Local Govt. Board Mzd.

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AGRICULTURE   (2007) in AJ&K

 AGRICULTURE LAND HOLDINGS DISTRICT WISE:

AREA UNDER CULTIVATION

ANNUAL CROPPED AREA

AGRICULTURE STATISTICSS

MAJOR CROPS & FRUITS

Major Crops Production for 2006-07                                    (M.Ton)

Livestock Poultry  Production for 2006-07               (Metric Ton)

Source: Department of Agriculture and Livestock Mzd.

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COMPARATIVE STATUS OF LIVESTOCK CENSUS 1996 AND 2006

VETERINARY FACILITIES

Source :Department of live stock & veterinary Muzaffarabad

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LIVESTOCK POPULATION AND DOMESTIC POULTRY BIRDS BY ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT

Source:  Department of Livestock & veterinary Muzaffarabad.

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POWER   2007
                 ELECTRIC CONNECTION.                                                                             (Nos.)

POWER 2007

Source: Department Of Electricity Muzaffarabad.

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ROADS  & COMMUNICATION -2007

TOTAL ROADS IN AJ&K                                                 11405    (KM)                      
METALLED ROADS                                                          5461      (KM)
FAIR-WEATHER ROADS                                                 5844      (KM)
AJ&K Road Densit y                                        0.41                   
PakistanRoad Density                                      0.32

Source:-i. Public Works Department
ii. Local Government & Rural Development Department

TRANSPORT 2007
Motor Vehicles Registered by Type

Source: Excises and Taxations Department.

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TELECOMMUNICATION  AND POSTAL FACILITIES  2007

Installed Capacity(Mobile)                      225000
Working Connection (Mobile)                 105500
Internet Facilities (DSL)                          104
               

Source: SCO Sector Head quarter AJ&K, MZD.

Postal Facilities

Source: Office of the DY. GP Sector Head quarter AJ&K, MZD.

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Physical Planning and Housing 2007

Source: CDO MZD

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